Members of the Zachary medical community gathered alongside public officials and Meridian Surgical Development personnel Monday, Sept. 13, for a ground breaking ceremony celebrating the beginning of construction for the city's new Ambulatory Surgical Center and Sullivan Medical Office Park.

Meridian Surgical Development partners with physicians in the acquisition, development and management of multi-specialty surgery centers and medical plazas.

Zachary's new surgical center is expected to contain one procedure room and two operating rooms. With over 8,000 square feet, the center will employ around 10 -15 staff members, have 10 beds and house state-of-the-art medical equipment.

"It's a center that we'll be able to be proud of," said Dr. Brian Kozar, one of the facility's physician partners. "It will be a leading edge facility. It will not only benefit Zachary's residents medically, but it stands to act as a magnet for patients from all over the region."

Some ground breaking attendees included Mayor Henry Martinez, councilman Francis Nezianya, Police Chief John Herty, MSD Vice President of Business Development Chris Suscha, Prime Healthcare Properties President Mark Samples, interim Chamber Director Greg MacDougall and Chamber ambassador Carlyn Tall.